Politicians Start Your Engines

As certain as the return of the snowbirds, campaign signs are beginning to line the county's streets and highways.

Yes, it's election time once again. Ready or not, the ads and handshaking are starting in order to attempt to gain voter confidence and endorsement for the upcoming March 4 primary.

The political landscape is full of pitfalls and opportunities as the candidates seek to muster support for their campaigns.

The biggest role lies with the voters who must, or should, look past just names and other trivial issues, and really dissect each candidate and what they represent.

A huge question is whether the voters are prepared to do this, and if the candidates are going to be able to reverse the low turnout trend by appealing to the real concerns and issues that can ignite poll interest.

For too long the power of the mail-in ballots has had an overwhelming influence on election outcomes, and only a larger in-person voter appearance at polling places can work to control this factor. It remains to be seen if those vying for these county offices will be able to draw more sizable numbers of these electorate.

Voters have the formidable and critical responsibility of examining the qualifications of each candidate and determining their suitability for the public offices sought.

What has been their previous track record in the public or private sectors? What have they contributed to improve the quality of both local government and community? How dedicated have they been to civic pride and improvement?

After an election is not the only time to start asking hardball questions.Voters must take advantage of every campaign forum and event to seek answers and responses to their concerns and questions.

Ask the candidates about their experience. See what their visions and ideas are. We need to know if they have been tested in positions of governance or leadership and how they performed.

Character in government remains as important now as it ever has. Make sure that the candidates you support are going to serve the public interest, and are willing to stand for principles of openness and trust as well as responsible fiscal management and accountability for area resources and tax dollars.

Each candidate also has a further pledge they must make. That is, to wholeheartedly represent all segments and interests of the county or district with genuine diligence and care.

We must have officeholders who view themselves as true public servants, and who are sincerely committed to being and remaining engaged with the public and the various organizations and agencies within our county.Check for possible narrow agendas that could potentially interfere or conflict with a candidate's promise of reliable and effective leadership.

These are not easy tasks.

Not every candidate is up to such a challenge. But those we place in public offices must be. Choose wisely.